We definitely do book reviews! Most of the fiction articles are in the Collegium Artium, whose purview is "Roman arts, sciences, architecture and literature, and the modern creative efforts inspired by them." The non-fiction works tend to be posted either here in the General forum, or in the appropriate Collegium for their subject-matter.

Te preco, do give us a review of "Gladiatrix" - especially since you ARE our resident specialist!

And after you've finished it, if you would, a quick discussion of "Im Schmelztiegel der Religionen" would be well-received, I think. Syncretism is an essential facet of Roma and her legacy, and what I learn of it always stirs my interest.

What vintage is the book? Standard bio or book of sources or ? How does it seem to you so far?

As far as I can tell, The Emperor Domitian is the most authoritative scholarly work on Domitian currently available. It is more useful than it is perhaps entertaining or insightful, I would say, but it's a highly readable book nonetheless.

Only Domitian's early life is covered in chronological order. His emperorship is first broken down into different branches of his administration, and Jones then looks at the various individuals who played a significant part in it.

I'm not sure it would appeal to casual readers. It's probably more of scholarly interest. I'm currently using it to write my Wikipedia article on Domitian (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domitian).

And re-reading The Loeb second vol. of the Divine Julian's letters and essays.

Chances are I'll only finish one or two of them. I've a nasty habit of purchasing books on impulse and never actually finishing them. I've been trying to make up for my three month interlude at basic training before heading off for employment training. Although I am looking for a way to smuggle a Loeb collection of Plato in with me when I head off. No matter what people say about the translations contained in Loeb, they're blessedly small, and therefore much easier to hide.

I've received my copy of Claudius, a bio by Barbara Levick. Very interesting and -- to my non-scholarly knowledge -- a careful consideration of both her subject and the sources.

She does bring out Claudius's probable complicity in the assassination of Gaius; his possible passive complicity in some of Messalina's witch-hunts; and so on. All sad to consider, for a Claudius-booster like myself, but that's the self-destructive nature of dynastic politics asserting itself; messy. Reminds me a bit of Stalin's reign.

I've also picked up another SPQR mystery, SPQR II: The Catiline Conspiracy, written by our own eminent sodalis, Decimus Caecilius, aka John Maddox Roberts. For those, like me, who lack the full, long-term immersion in Romanitas, these entertaining mysteries are chock-full of Latin vocab, Roman customs, and famous figures of the last years of the Republic. Quite the appealing relaxation-read for a student of Rome.

And I still haven't finished reading my translation Epictetus's Discourses. I've been debating whether to continue reading for interest and edification or make it a priority and do a 'speed read'. In addition, in place of the eminent Greek's own orations, I've also been reading a sort-of New Age tract that parallels of lot of what Epictetus has said.

Verum, vos alii -- quid legitis? Auli Flavii -- You're reading the Divine Iulian's suriving works -- in the original, or in translation? And Tarquinii Dionysii -- Did you finish the work on Domitian?

And our newly-enrolled members and socii -- how about you all? What tomes do you take up for edification or diversion?

It has the Latin text, which can be clicked on to view an English translation. I'm doing what I can to translate on my own, while checking my work against the existing translation. I blush to admit that my own Latin skills are quite poor, but I'm working on it.

A very interesting read about several ancient civilizations and what caused their collapse (or how they managed to prevent it). Some of the parallels with todays society are striking. I'll be sure to check out "Guns, Germs and Steel" by the same author. There wouldn't happen to by anyone here who already read it? If so, feel free to share your thoughts on the book.

Still reading the new edition of the gladiator book by Marcus Junkelmann ("Gladiatoren - Das Spiel mit dem Tod") and comparing it to the old edition, but nonetheless I could give you a review which I will post in the Ludi section. The publisher told me that they are still negotiating about an English translation. Should this become available I will let you know.

Tiberius Dionysius Draco wrote:I'm currently reading "Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed" (Dutch translation: "Ondergang") by Jared Diamond. A very interesting read about several ancient civilizations and what caused their collapse (or how they managed to prevent it). Some of the parallels with todays society are striking. I'll be sure to check out "Guns, Germs and Steel" by the same author. There wouldn't happen to by anyone here who already read it? If so, feel free to share your thoughts on the book.

Diamond's "Guns, Germs & Steel" changed how I viewed history, and explained a lot of things I'd wondered about - chiefly, why are some civlizations slower to arise and develop their food technologies and material technologies. I was quite impressed. I have not, however, looked for others who might take issue with Diamonds' conclusions, so I haven't a critical grasp of his ideas.

I'm putting "Collapse" on my reading list, as well.

Salve, Aelia Cleopatra - Thanks for the note on the Junkelman book. How does the title translate into English: "Gladiators - the Speech with the Death" ??? or, "Gladiators, Talking with Death"????

Valerius Claudius Iohanes wrote:Salve, Aelia Cleopatra - Thanks for the note on the Junkelman book. How does the title translate into English: "Gladiators - the Speech with the Death" ??? or, "Gladiators, Talking with Death"????

Salve Tiberi Draco,
I also read "Guns, Germs and Steel" and found it quite enlightening.
I have bought "Collapse" already, but had no time to read it yet. I'm sure ti will be worthwhile, though.
Vale,
Livia

I returned to and so finally finished the book on Claudius by B. Levick - if I can get the time free, I will try to give a quck digest of her main points, etc. She comes down pretty firmly on the side of viewing Claudius as an active part of the conspiracy against Gaius. The conspiratorial politics, the trials - yucch.

I've just started Hadrian's Memoirs, by Youcenar, trans. from the French. I'll be interested to see how she handles him.

"Guns, Germs and Steel": I had to after everyone suggested I should .
So far, it's everything I thought it would be and more. A very good read.

"Ancient Civilizations": I actually haven't been able to read it yet, I'm too much engrossed in Guns, Germs and Steel. As soon as I finish that one, this book is next. I've thumbed through it a bit and it looks great, but I prefer to focus on one book at a time.

"Pompeji: Geschiedenis, dagelijks leven en kunst van de bedolven stad." (roughly translated: Pompei: history, daily life and art from the buried city): I don't know if an english or german version of this book exists. But if it does, I strongly recommend it to anyone who is interested in slices of daily Roman life. There are some truly beautiful pictures in the book. But it's not only pretty pictures, there are also great explanations to go with each image. Hmm, I kind of feel like visiting Pompei now...

I can recommend "Unto the Sons", an autobiographical novel by Gay Talese. Probably the best way to understand the modern Italian mentality. It's fun to pick out the cultural legacy of the Romans in the Italian attitudes.